Reader Letters | Support bridge lighting plan

Since its opening on a beautiful sunny day in early February, the Big Four Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge has drawn thousands of visitors to stroll, run or bike its length, many pausing along the way to enjoy the wonderful views of the river and city. At sunset, the view from the bridge becomes even more spectacular, with the golden glow fading into darkness to showcase the bright lights of the park and city reflected in the water below. The Big Four has become one of the best places in the city to observe the artistic genius of Mother Nature.

Now the Waterfront Development Corp. has the opportunity to make the Big Four Bridge not only one of the best places to observe "art," but also a work of art itself.

An LED lighting plan has been designed that will wrap the bridge fretwork in vibrant colors that can be programmed into a rainbow of effects, highlighting the beauty and strength of the bridge structure that dates back to its days as an active urban railroad bridge. This is not harsh lighting that would flood the sky with a view-obstructing glare. Instead, the lights will bathe the ironwork with color to enhance the bridge, while still allowing visitors to enjoy the wonderful views out from the bridge.

Similar lighting plans have been implemented recently on several high-profile bridges, including the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, N.Y., and the western span of the Bay Bridge in San Francisco. Once installed, the lighting systems are budget-friendly - the 1.8-mile lit portion of the Bay Bridge costs only about $30 per night to operate, and maintenance costs are low due to the long-lasting LED bulbs used in the project.

These bridges, and others lit in like fashion, have become signature elements for the cities that house them, and we believe that the Big Four could be the same distinctive signature for Louisville and a dazzling work of art.

We are currently fundraising for this lighting plan, which will cost $1.8 million to implement. Anyone interested in donating can contact the Waterfront Development Corp., 129 E. River Road, 40202, email us at info@louisvillewaterfront.com, or visit our website at www.louisvillewaterfront.com.

MARLENE GRISSOM

Director of Special Projects

Waterfront Development Corp.

Louisville 40202

Guns as consumer products

Now may be the time to consider the inherent dangerous nature of guns. Guns are exempt from federal health and safety requirements, unlike virtually all other products - from toys to jumbo jets. Improving the safety of the product itself could reap societal benefits through a decrease in unintentional injuries and deaths, fewer teenage suicides, and a decrease in the number of stolen guns used in crimes.

Guns should only be operational for their legal owners. A simple, built-in mechanical or electronic lock would prevent use by unauthorized persons. A built-in siren/alarm could sound if a gun is moved from its owner-designated storage place. Requiring two-handed operation with specific hand location, or requiring specific finger placement patterns would eliminate many unintentional injuries and deaths. The technology to make guns safer for their owners and the rest of society already exists, but goes unused by the industry.

Do we consider guns safer than autos and other consumer products? Maybe we can't prevent every homicidal sociopath from committing atrocities with guns, but can't we all agree on measures to prevent gun use by thieves, children, and jealous or angry household members?

MICHAEL AUSLANDER

Louisville 40220

Protecting the vulnerable

The decision of the Kentucky Court of Appeals in the case of the Council on Developmental Disabilities vs. Commonwealth of Kentucky was disappointing and personally disheartening. Ending the veil of secrecy around the deaths of persons with disabilities who have no family members and who are wards of the state living in state-funded programs is critical. Understanding the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Richard Tardy and Gary Farris is both a moral responsibility owed to those with disabilities and a guide to preventing similar deaths in the future.

I appreciate Andrew Wolfson's thorough review of the case in his C-J article on May 9. I certainly concur with Justice Joy Moore in her observation of the council's long-term investment in individuals with disabilities. If not the council and other private-sector advocates, who will protect the thousands of vulnerable individuals with disabilities who are wards of the Commonwealth of Kentucky? Having worked at the council for over 44 years, I know that Mr. Tardy and Mr. Farris represent only a few of the individuals who have died within the state-funded system of institutional and community-based programs.

I am delighted that the council will be appealing this decision and that David Tachau will continue to legally advocate for persons who have no voice. Being our brother's keeper is not always easy, but it is necessary for the protection of all vulnerable people in our society.

APRIL DuVAL

Former Executive Director

Council on Developmental Disabilities

Louisville 40223

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Reader Letters | Support bridge lighting plan

Since its opening on a beautiful sunny day in early February, the Big Four Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge has drawn thousands of visitors to stroll, run or bike its length, many pausing along the way to